Best Places to Live in South Georgia
The Southern region of Georgia blends natural beauty with historic charm and offers locals a slower pace of life to enjoy. If you are looking for a fresh start as a young professional, someplace safe and nurturing for your family, or just somewhere quiet to enjoy your golden years in peace – the South has something for everyone.
In this full guide, we’ll tackle the 14 best places to live in South Georgia, factoring in such details as cost of living, quality of schools, job opportunities, and lifestyle amenities. We’ll begin with number 14 and work down through the absolute best place to live in this charming region.
If you’re an empty nester looking to move to Georgia and want to know the best places to live, click here.
14. Waycross
Waycross, near the Okefenokee Swamp, provides an excellent blend of natural attractions and small-town charm. The cost of living here is relatively inexpensive; it’s a good choice for stretching those dollars. There are many different kinds of luxury housing, from historic homes to modern apartments. This gives potential residents a range of options.
The city also boasts outdoor activities, especially swamp tours and fishing expeditions. Waycross has good schools for families, and crime is lower than the national average. The residents of this quaint community are all familiar with one another and frequently get together to celebrate community events and festivals.
13. Moultrie
Next on the list of the best places to live in South Georgia is Moultrie. This is known as the “City of Southern Living.” It is a place where “Southern hospitality” is not just a phrase but a way of life. The city boasts an agricultural background, most specifically in farming pecans, peanuts, and pine trees.
There are many different kinds of houses in Moultrie, from big estates to small bungalows. All of them are lower than the national average. Also, the local school system has both public and private options. Moultrie’s focus on community events, like the annual Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, which brings people from all over the Southeast, is one of its best features.
12. Tifton
Tifton, often referred to as the “Friendly City,” lives up to that standard with a welcoming community and activities for all ages. The city houses the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, offering educational opportunities as well as youthful energy throughout the area.
Residential choices in Tifton are economically viable, with a median home price significantly below the national benchmark. The city’s architectural panorama encompasses a diverse spectrum, from Victorian-era residences to contemporary condominiums.
Notably, the region is home to Tift Regional Medical Center, a standout among several top-tier medical institutions in Tifton. Also, a profound community spirit permeates the city, as seen in its cultural festivities, vibrant farmer’s markets, and various communal assemblies.
11. Thomasville
Thomasville is a city rich in history and Southern charm. Known for its Victorian architecture as well as its historic downtown, Thomasville claims to have a high quality of life for families, emphasizing community and tradition.
This city hosts the famous annual Rose Festival, bringing not only beauty but also aroma from thousands of blooming roses throughout town. Housing options are very diverse, from historic mansions to contemporary townhouses affixed within tree-lined streets throughout nicely kept parks.
The Thomasville City School system is also well regarded for its excellence, making it a great fit if you are looking to raise children here. There are also a lot of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and making arts and crafts.
10. Valdosta
Valdosta, referred to as “Azalea City,” is a growing community known for its strong military presence because of Moody Air Force Base. Living in the city is like living in both the suburbs and the city, and there are many different kinds of housing to suit different tastes and budgets.
In terms of education, Valdosta State University adds youthfulness to the town, while the local school system has an excellent reputation statewide. Wild Adventures, a theme park and zoo that is fun for the whole family is also in the city.
The downtown area of Valdosta is full of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, making it a place where people go both during the day and at night. The family amenities in Valdosta make it worthy of being on the list of the best places to live in South Georigia.
9. Brunswick
Brunswick can serve as a portal to the Golden Isles, a series of barrier islands with stunning beaches and outdoor recreational options. The city itself combines historic Maritime history with Southern charm: its downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and historic sites. This makes Brunswick one of the best places to live in South Georgia.
Housing in Brunswick is diverse: waterfront properties merge into inland homes, which include both modern accommodations and affordability. The schools of the Glynn County School System serve the area well, with solid academic programs available for students at all levels. There is also an option for higher education here at the College of Coastal Georgia.
8. Albany
Albany embodies a harmonious blend of Southern warmth and contemporary living. Its reputation as a hub for healthcare is notable, boasting top-tier medical establishments such as Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The housing spectrum in the city is diverse, encompassing everything from vintage residences within the Rawson Circle District to contemporary apartments in proximity to the bustling downtown scene.
The presence of Albany State University infuses the city with youthful vibrancy, while the local school system ensures a diverse range of educational opportunities. Notable destinations like the Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw Park enjoy popularity, offering families both informative and recreational experiences.
7. Statesboro
Statesboro is the proud home of Georgia Southern University and offers a distinct combination of youthful energy and traditional Southern charm. The city boasts an abundance of affordable housing options, from student apartments to family homes.
The Bulloch County Schools system provides ample opportunities for young residents to gain a firm educational foundation. Statesboro has a lively downtown with various shops, restaurants, and even cultural venues like the Averitt Center for the Arts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Statesboro also has plenty to offer with its array of hiking trails or fishing spots.
6. Vidalia
Vidalia, renowned for its delightful sweet onions, is a small town exuding immense warmth. The close-knit community thrives, and the cost of living is notably below the national norm. Housing alternatives span a wide spectrum, encompassing historic residences and newly established neighborhoods.
The Vidalia City School System garners high praise, while Southeastern Technical College adds an avenue for higher learning. An annual highlight is the Onion Festival, a cherished event characterized by an array of engagements spanning from culinary contests to live musical performances.
5. St. Marys
St. Marys serves as the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, which is home to stunning scenery and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. The city’s downtown area has been wonderfully preserved and tells much about local maritime history.
St. Marys offers a wide range of housing options, from historic mansions to contemporary condos, many of which boast waterfront vistas. The excellent public schools in Camden County are a major selling point for the area. It also has miles of beaches that are great for sunning, beach sports like volleyball, and board sports like surfing.
4. Hinesville
Hinesville accommodates Fort Stewart, which holds the distinction of being the largest Army installation situated to the east of the Mississippi River, creating a blend of military and civilian ways of life. Diverse and economical housing selections span from contemporary apartments to standalone family residences.
The Liberty County School System extends its services to the vicinity, acknowledged for its robust educational offerings. Hinesville boasts a dynamic downtown sector, replete with an assortment of boutiques, dining establishments, and cultural spaces, transforming it into a central point for both daytime engagements and evening leisure.
3. Pooler
Pooler is in the top three as one of the best places to live in South Georgia. It’s also one of the fastest-growing cities in Georgia. It mixes suburban comfort with modern amenities, giving breadth to housing options from new developments to established neighborhoods.
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System caters to area residents and is known for its strong academic programs. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force sits at Pooler, along with plenty of recreation, including golf courses, parks, and much more, making it ideal for families and retirees alike.
2. Savannah
Savannah, famed for its captivating historic architecture and the allure of its charming public squares, provides an exceptional standard of living centered around culture and community values. Diverse housing alternatives, spanning from venerable residences in the heart of the city to contemporary apartments and condominiums, cater to various preferences.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System extends its services, ensuring an array of educational choices. Savannah is considered a home for arts and culture with the presence of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which also offers a medley of recreational pursuits, ranging from serene river cruises to captivating ghost tours.
The cultural diversity in Savannah makes this city one of the best places for African Americans to live in Georgia.
1. Richmond Hill – Best Place to live in South Georgia
Richmond Hill claims the top spot as the premier living destination in South Georgia. Situated just to the south of Savannah, this suburban area presents a high standard of living, underscored by exceptional educational institutions, minimal crime incidents, and an array of housing alternatives.
The highly regarded Bryan County School System here makes it particularly appealing to families. Within Richmond Hill’s bounds lies a spectrum of recreational undertakings, from serene Ogeechee River boating to invigorating hikes through J.F. Gregory Park. This city seamlessly blends suburban comforts with the allure of untouched natural splendor, crafting an ideal haven for those in pursuit of the finest that South Georgia has to offer.
Final Words
To sum up, South Georgia presents an array of living choices tailored to diverse lifestyles and inclinations. Whether you seek the embrace of a close-knit small town, the vibrancy of an urban center, or the tranquility of a suburban sanctuary, this inclusive and hospitable region stands ready to meet your desires.
